Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: A Quick & Delicious Weeknight Dinner
Imagine twirling perfectly cooked pasta. Picture it coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Now, add succulent shrimp. This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta delivers that experience fast. It takes under 30 minutes!
This dish is super easy. It’s great for busy weeknights. The flavor combo of garlic, butter, and shrimp is killer. What makes this recipe extra special? We'll use a little white wine for a better taste!
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's what you'll need to make the garlic butter shrimp pasta:
- 1 pound pasta (linguine or spaghetti work great)
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- Red pepper flakes (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Lemon juice (optional)
Shrimp: Fresh or Frozen?
Fresh shrimp are awesome. They taste great. But, frozen shrimp is easier. It lasts longer. If using frozen, thaw it first. Put it in the fridge overnight. Or, run it under cold water. Medium or large shrimp work best for this recipe.
Pasta Power: Choosing the Right Shape
Linguine is a top pick for this dish. Spaghetti and fettuccine also work well. These shapes grab the sauce. Need gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta. Make sure to cook it according to the box directions.
The Garlic Butter Base: Flavor is Key
Fresh garlic is a must. Mince it fine. It spreads the flavor better. Butter makes the sauce rich. Use salted or unsalted. If using salted, reduce the added salt. Red pepper flakes add some heat. Lemon juice brightens everything up. White wine makes it taste fancy.
Making the Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Step-by-Step
Time to cook! Follow these steps for perfect garlic butter shrimp pasta.
Preparing the Shrimp: Deveining and Seasoning
Deveining shrimp is easy. Use a small knife. Make a shallow cut along the back. Remove the dark vein. Now, season the shrimp. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are good.
Cooking the Pasta: Al Dente Perfection
Cook the pasta al dente. This means it's firm to the bite. Follow the package directions. Before draining, save some pasta water. This water helps the sauce. It makes it creamy.
Crafting the Garlic Butter Sauce: Building Flavor
Melt the butter in a pan. Add the garlic. Cook until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Pour in the white wine (if using). Let it simmer for a minute. Add the shrimp. Cook until pink. This usually takes 3-5 minutes. Toss with the pasta, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
Tips for the Perfect Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
Here are some tips to make your dish amazing.
Don't Overcook the Shrimp!
Overcooked shrimp is rubbery. No one wants that! Cook until pink and opaque. It should curl into a "C" shape.
The Secret Weapon: Pasta Water
Pasta water is a game-changer. It's starchy. It helps the sauce stick to the pasta. Add a little at a time. Stir until the sauce is creamy.
Adjusting the Flavor: Make It Your Own
Want more heat? Add more red pepper flakes. Need more brightness? Squeeze in some lemon juice. Love cheese? Sprinkle on some Parmesan. Make it your own!
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Here's how to make this meal even better.
Side Dish Pairings: Complete the Meal
Garlic bread is a classic side. A simple salad is great too. Roasted vegetables add some color. Try asparagus or broccoli.
Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi: A Classic Variation
Shrimp scampi is similar. It’s usually served over rice or pasta. It has more garlic and lemon. This pasta dish is a bit simpler.
Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta: Adding a Rich Twist
Want a creamier sauce? Add heavy cream. Or, stir in some Parmesan cheese. This makes it extra rich.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta is quick. It's easy. And it's super delicious. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Try this recipe tonight! Share your creations with friends. This dish is versatile. It's a weeknight winner.